Wisconsin Knowledge Concepts Examinations (WKCE)

At Grades 3-8, and 10

Beginning in the 2005-06 school year, the federal No Child Left Behind Act required all states to test all students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and once in high school (grade 10 under s.118.30 Wis Stats). These tests are referred to as the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE). Student performance on these assessments is reported in proficiency categories and used to determine the adequate yearly progress of students at the school, district and state levels.

These standardized tests are designed to measure Wisconsin academic standards. The WKCE measures achievement in reading, language applications, mathematics, science, and social studies using multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Students also provide a rough draft writing sample. Total WKCE test time varies by content area and grade.

Beginning September 1, 2002, WKCE scores are used as one of several criteria for advancing students from fourth to fifth grade and from eighth to ninth grade. The other criteria are academic performance, teacher recommendations based on academic performance, and any other academic criteria specified by the local school board.

Suggestions for parents to help students prepare for the state assessment:

General Preparation

Encourage students to answer all test questions

Remind students to listen to and read all directions and to tackle the test one question at a time instead of thinking about the entire test

When possible it is beneficial to establish a daily routine for meals, homework, chores, bedtime, and family time

Encourage students to participate in practice sessions

Ensure students get a good night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast before taking a test

Provide students with a study area

Offer praise and encouragement for achievement and improvement

Encourage students to practice good study habits and set aside time every day for homework

Reading Test Preparation

Read to students and encourage them to read to you.

Encourage students to read the newspaper, magazines, recreational books and discuss what they have read

Encourage students to make connections between their everyday lives and what they are learning in math class

Encourage the use of math everyday through measuring recipes, adding prices at the store, creating a budget, explaining graphs and charts in the newspaper or magaizine articles, and taking measurements while doing home projects or sewing.

If you would like more information concerning the Wisconsin Knowledge Concepts Examination (WKCE) please visit the DPI Website Office of Educational Accountability. You can find practice tests and sample questions for grades 3-8 and 10, in the subject areas of Mathematics, Reading, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. At the top of this web page is a link for an informational brochure for parents to better understand the WKCE.

Disclaimer: This website is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented on the pages in this website. We will attempt to keep the site updated and maintained on a monthly basis.

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